01.08.2001

Stockton

Action and debate

The recent open meeting of Stockton Socialist Alliance saw a dozen or so comrades meet up to debate the main issues arising out of the beginnings of Blair?s second term.

John Malcolm (Socialist Party and Unison) spoke on the proposed ?semi?-privatisation of public services, covering issues such as the need for strike action in the public sector, the reactionary role of the trades union leadership (despite recent grumblings) and the need for left unity in the unions. John called for full support for the initiative for a conference to build a union fightback called for by Mark Serwotka (see Weekly Worker July 5).

Mark Metcalfe then spoke on behalf of Sunderland Fans against Racism (some bravery here, wandering into Teesside), and, despite his poor taste in football teams, highlighted well the increase in racist attacks, the growth of the British National Party, especially in the north west, and the recent spate of riots throughout the north of England.

A healthy discussion ensued, focussing on the need to combat racism and fascism. It was generally agreed that there had been errors in our previous anti-fascist work, culminating in a meeting hijacked by the local clergy and liberal and soft-left Labour councillors. Unease with the strategy of the Anti-Nazi League was also forcefully voiced and it was generally agreed that, as the BNP no longer organised marches and street activity, political responses were more important than chasing after shadows.

The meeting discussed a relaunch of the Teesside Campaign against Racism and Fascism and agreed that its thrust should be around working class politics. It was felt that reliance on forces that upheld the status quo, in the form of the Labour Party and a large bulk of voluntary sector organisations, would not win away people susceptible to racist and fascists ideas.

On a personal note, I must say that, despite a number of people being away on holiday, it was nice to see the attendance of activists from the election campaign drawn into political debate - in the meeting and not only in the bar afterwards. We need to concern ourselves with more than activism, and ensure that further alliance meetings provide a challenging and stimulating arena for political controversy.

Lawrie Coombs